I have notice from Senator Katherine Bulbulia that, on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to restore funding to the County and City Infirmary, Waterford in order to ensure that the people of that area have an adequate surgical and medical service.
I also received notice from Senator Maurice Manning of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach to clarify the situation concerning the recent reported illegal exports of archaeological artefacts and to assure the House that all steps will be taken to ensure that the full provisions of the National Monuments Acts, 1987, will be implemented.
I also received notice from Senator Brendan Ryan of the following matter:
The continuing practice of the Department of Social Welfare of requiring members of the travelling community to "sign on" at employment exchanges between 11.30 a.m. and 12 noon on Thursdays.
I also received notice from Senator Seán Haughey of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education to take an early decision to replace the Dublin Dental Hospital given that the present premises are outmoded, unsatisfactory and unacceptable and that the building of new dental facilities proceed without delay at St. James's Hospital, Dublin.
I regard the matters raised by Senators Bulbulia, Manning, Ryan and Haughey as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected Senator Bulbulia's motion and it will be taken from 8 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., or earlier if the business ordered is concluded. Senators Manning, Ryan and Haughey may give notice for another day of the matters they wish to raise.
I want to remind Senators that the Cathaoirleach requires written notice to be given of the matters again or else they will lapse.
Before we proceed to the Order of Business, with regard to the short notice for item No. 2 on the Order Paper may I put the Chair's position on record? Under Standing Order 25 the Chair has discretion to allow a motion to be moved on shorter notice than the required four days. I have exercised this discretion in relation to this motion, No. 2 on the Order Paper, which was tabled only yesterday, as an exceptional measure in view of the fact that, (1) the bank holiday intervened in the period of notice and, (2) my understanding is that the subject matter of the motion was made known to the Government Whips last week. I have allowed shorter notice on this occasion as an exceptional measure and I have no intention of dispensing with the usual four days' notice in future.
